Player Joe Galuvao

[mt.wellington]

Joe Galuvao

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Joe Galuvao (born 8 July 1978) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s in the NRL. A Samoa and New Zealand international second row forward, he played for the Auckland Warriors, Parramatta Eels, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Penrith Panthers (with whom he won the 2003 NRL Premiership) and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (with whom he won the 2011 NRL Premiership).

Galuvao was born in Auckland, New Zealand.

After starting his playing career in the late 1990s with the Auckland Warriors, Galuvao was a member of the 2003 NRL premiership-winning Panthers team which defeated the Sydney Roosters in the 2003 NRL grand final. With fellow second-rower Tony Puletua, Galuvao was known as one of the "Hair Bears" and was rated one of the best second-rowers in the world in 2003. As 2003 NRL premiers, the Panthers travelled to England to face Super League VIII champions, the Bradford Bulls in the 2004 World Club Challenge. Galuvao played at second-row forward in the Panthers' 22-4 loss.

Galuvao joined South Sydney from 2006 on a three-year deal. Galuvao was released in September 2007 after a campaign to encourage him to retire, reportedly being told by Souths to swap "the paddock for the pulpit". Galuvao signed a two-year contract with Parramatta, keeping him with the Eels through the 2009 NRL season.

In the 2008 NRL season, he only played in six NRL games for Parramatta. In 2009, however he matched that total in the first six games of the season. In August, 2009, Galuvao extended his playing career by signing a three-year deal with Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. On October 4, 2009, Galuvao played for Parramatta in the 2009 NRL Grand Final defeat by Melbourne. In 2010, Melbourne were subsequently stripped of the premiership they won against Parramatta for major and deliberate breaches of the salary cap.

Despite being concussed in a pre-season match, Galuvao made his debut for Manly against his old club Parramatta in round 2 of the 2010 NRL season. Galuvao won a second premiership as part of Manly's victorious 2011 NRL Grand Final squad. He, along with Shane Rodney have played in the same premiership team twice, Rodney having been a teammate of Galuvao's in Penrith's victorious 2003 NRL Grand Final squad. In 2013, after suffering a season-ending injury, Galuvao announced his retirement.

Joe Galuvao - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Junior Kiwi utility back first came under notice playing for West Samoa in Super League’s World Nines’ competition in early 1997 when he was wrongfully awarded a try in a match against Australia – despite the use of a video referee for the first time. After two moderate seasons with the Warriors (sometimes at fullback) Galuvao was languishing in NZ’s domestic Barter Cup competition when he was signed to a modest contract by Penrith coach Royce Simmons for 2002. Simmons was sacked by the club before Galuvao arrived there but under coach John Lang the chunky, mobile player moved into the back row and started to make an impact with the club. Together with Tony Puletua he was a standout performer in the Panthers’ premiership-winning 2003 season. After making his Test debut for the Kiwis in the one-off Test against Australia in July he took his place in NZ’s shock 30-16 win over Australia in October. Galuvao battled injury in 2004 and was not as effective as the Panthers’ premiership defence stalled. After playing in the 16-all draw with Australia in October, Galuvao was actually ruled out of the Tri Nations competition by Panthers’ medical staff so he could have surgery in the off-season. He joined Souths in 2006.

- ALAN WHITICKER​

Joe Galuvao - Playing Career - RLP

A summary of the career stats for Junior Kiwi utility back first came under notice playing for West Samoa in Super League’s World Nines’ competition in early 1997 when he was wrongfully awarded a try in a match against Australia – despite the use of a video referee for the first time. After two...

www.rugbyleagueproject.org

 

[Shogun]

Joe Galuvao opens up on loss, love and resilience​

The former NRL hard man has talked about the importance of family.​

Xander Gee

Joe Galuvao has opened up to ABC Sport about the profound impact of his upbringing, reflecting on the pivotal role his sisters played in providing stability and love after the loss of his mother when he was just seven years old.

Raised in a household of six children, Galuvao recalls the challenges of navigating such a formative loss while his father worked tirelessly to provide for the family.

"It's not that my dad was absent, but [he] had to provide for six kids. I barely saw my dad growing up," he shared.

Over time, Galuvao has developed a deep appreciation for his father's resilience, acknowledging the immense struggle of raising a family while grieving the loss of a partner.

"When you're older and you're able to reflect back, you realise, [that he] was just trying to survive himself."

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Joe Galuvao of the Rabbitohs makes a break during the round 20 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the South Sydney Rabbitohs played at Energy Australia Stadium July 22, 2006 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

At the heart of Galuvao's story is the unwavering support of his four older sisters, who stepped in to care for him and his younger sibling during a confusing and turbulent time.

"I credit a lot of my success, I credit a lot of my life now to having that stability," Galuvao said as he reflected on their sacrifices and emotional strength.

While his sisters navigated their own grief, they shielded him with a sense of love and protection that became the foundation of his life.

"For me, I just saw strength, I saw the love that they showed and the protection they have for me and my younger sister."

His experiences have also inspired him to champion open communication within families, particularly in Pacific Islander households.

Galuvao encourages others to break down cultural barriers to emotional dialogue, adding, "Being able to talk to your Islander parents, it's a hard thing, but you'll be surprised if you just be open to it."

 

[run_it_str8_again]

Life is hard. Not many come through unscathed. There are so many ways in which a person can hurt and suffer so to have support love and resilience "factors" around you during hard times is gold. Thanks for sharing

 

[Wrighty]

Life is hard. Not many come through unscathed. There are so many ways in which a person can hurt and suffer so to have support love and resilience "factors" around you during hard times is gold. Thanks for sharing

Thank you I needed to hear that on my own life journey. Knowing that is hard for everyone helps you to focus on the blessings you do have rather than the scars of yester year.

In his case he focuses on the angelic sisters he had.